When you have strain on your jaw joints, this could mean discomfort and even the onset of major oral health complications. To stop the strain and prevent issues like headaches and jaw pain, you may need TMJ treatment from your Astoria, NY, dentist! What does treatment involve, and what happens if your TMJ dysfunction isn’t addressed?
The Causes of Jaw Joint Strain
Our jaw joints, known as the temporomandibular joints, connect our jaw and skull. They’re responsible for the actions necessary to eat and speak. However, they become strained due to bite imbalance, stress, and other factors, which could lead to TMJ disorder. Unless addressed, TMJ disorder could then cause pain when eating and problems opening and closing the mouth. The factors behind the stress and imbalance could include tooth loss, misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, or untreated teeth grinding.
Assessment and Treatment
You should contact us for a diagnosis if you encounter one or more possible symptoms. People with the disorder often report soreness in the face and neck, a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw, facial or jaw pain, and headaches or migraines. If they happen to grind their teeth as well, toothaches and tooth sensitivity could occur as well. When you see our team, we will take a close look at your smile with advanced digital technology. We can then look for signs of wear and friction on teeth, and other indicators of trouble.
Treatment could vary. For example, you could benefit from clear aligners to reposition uneven teeth and improve bite balance. The placement of a custom crown could also improve overall balance too. However, an oral appliance is often the best route to relief. The device is designed and custom-fitted to your smile based on detailed digital images and measurements taken of your smile. Worn at night like a mouthguard, it repositions the jaw to ease strain, and provides a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth to avoid further damage.
Preventive Actions
You can also help your smile during the treatment process from home. For example, use a warm washcloth to ease tension and relieve strain. You should also cut back on caffeinated beverages, or foods that are hard or chewy, as consuming them could exacerbate the symptoms. If you have any questions about tackling your TMJ issues, or about our custom-made treatment options, then please contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About TMJ Issues?
We want to provide relief and protect your smile from damage due to jaw joint issues and bite imbalance. To learn more about improving the balance and beauty of your smile with preventive and general treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
